Custom CNC machining from independent machine shops
Tight-tolerance milled and turned parts in metal and plastic, quoted by independent machine shops. Upload a drawing and hear back from shops that already run the machines your part needs.
STEP · STL · IGES · DWG · DXF · PDF · and more
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Machining shops on OpenSpindle
Real shops that mill and turn custom parts. See the machines they run and talk to the person making your part.
★ Top rated
"Precision CNC Machining & Fabrication Near Austin - 40+ Years"
"Rapid Prototyping, Digital Manufacturing & CNC Machining Since 1994"
"Multi material experiential and retail fabrication in Brooklyn"
"Custom metal fabrication and precision machining in Baton Rouge"
"Retail store fixtures, POP displays, and architectural millwork built under one roof"
"Custom architectural millwork built to AWI standards in Lancaster, PA"
How it works
How OpenSpindle Works
Upload your files
Share your CAD files or drawings (STEP, DXF, DWG, PDF) and note material, tolerances, and quantity. It takes a couple of minutes.
Get matched quotes
We route your part to shops with the machines and materials to make it, and they send competitive quotes.
Compare and choose
Weigh quotes, methods, and lead times side by side, then pick the shop that fits your budget and timeline.
Materials our machining shops run
CNC machining starts from solid billet. If your alloy is not here, ask when you request a quote.
Specs
Tolerances you can expect
| Feature | With a drawing | No drawing supplied |
|---|---|---|
| Linear dimension | ±0.005 in | ISO 2768 Medium |
| Hole diameter (not reamed) | ±0.005 in | ISO 2768 Medium |
| Shaft diameter | ±0.002 in | ISO 2768 Medium |
| Surface finish | 125 Ra as-machined | 125 Ra as-machined |
Shops quote to your drawing. Tighter tolerances are available from shops running CMM inspection. Ranges are typical, not guaranteed until a shop quotes your specific part.
Secondary operations
Inserts, hardware and finishing
Threads and inserts
Tapped holes, heat-set inserts, press-fit and PEM-style hardware installed before the part ships. Note the callouts on your drawing.
Finishing
Applied after machining, so each one adds days. As-machined ships fastest; anodize, powder coat, and passivation are common on machined parts.
| Finish | Materials | Adds | Can be applied with |
|---|---|---|---|
| As-machined | All | +0 days | Anything |
| Bead blast | Aluminum, stainless | +1-2 days | Anodize, passivation |
| Powder coat | Aluminum, steel | +3-5 days | Bead blast. Not with anodize. |
| Passivation | Stainless only | +2 days | Bead blast |
Worth knowing: powder coat adds 0.002 to 0.005 in per side. On tight clearances or small holes, account for it or mask them.
Get a better quote
Getting a quote that comes back fast
| Instead of | Send this |
|---|---|
| "CNC part, need a quote" | "6061-T6 bracket, tolerances per drawing, qty 50, as-machined" |
| "Aluminum, tight tolerance" | "6061-T6, ±0.005 in on the two bore centers only" |
| "ASAP" | "Need in hand by the 30th, happy to pay for rush" |
Tolerance drives cost more than any other line on your drawing. Call out only the features that actually need it.
Applications
Industries we serve
Machine shops on OpenSpindle make parts for regulated and demanding industries, including shops with AS9100 and ITAR registration.
More on OpenSpindle
Other capabilities
Need a different process? Browse shops for these too.
Designing for this process
What actually changes your quote
Not a definition of CNC machining. The design choices that move your price and lead time.
Internal corners have a radius
An end mill cannot cut a sharp internal corner. Design a radius of at least one third the pocket depth, or the shop adds an operation.
Deep pockets cost more than wide ones
Past about four times the tool diameter the shop steps down to a longer tool and slower feeds. Shallow and wide is cheaper.
Every tolerance callout is money
±0.001 in on a face that does not mate adds inspection time for nothing. Tolerance only the features that function.
Thin walls chatter
Under 0.030 in in metal, walls flex against the cutter. Expect a finish pass, or thicken the wall.
Questions
Frequently asked questions
Plus or minus 0.005 in is standard with a drawing, and shops running CMM inspection hold tighter on critical features. Send your drawing when you request a quote and the shop confirms feasibility before cutting.
Get CNC machining quotes
Upload a drawing once and compare quotes from independent machine shops.
STEP · STL · IGES · DWG · DXF · PDF · and more
Uploads are secure & confidential